Lifelong Learning

MxCC offers a wide variety of personal enrichment courses in many different topics and interests. Courses are presented at various locations over the year for ages ranging from school-age students to seniors. Programs and courses are offered in the classroom and online. There are also 2 seniors’ enrichment programs – MILE and CCALC – at our Middletown campus and in Meriden.

MILE (Seniors – Middletown Area)

The Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education is a group of adults (age 50+) interested in expanding their knowledge by attending a program of diverse offerings. Most courses are held at the Middletown campus and programs are enhanced by field trips each semester. Middlesex Community College founded the group and acts as its sponsor.

MILE courses take place during the fall (Oct.-Nov.) and spring (Mar.-Apr.) semesters. For only $75/year, members are entitled to attend as many MILE courses as they choose. MILE can be contacted at (860) 343-5863, by email at mileatchapman@gmail.com or through their website.

CCALC (Seniors – Meriden Area)

The Castle Craig Adult Learning Center is for (mostly retired) adult learners who are interested in expanding their levels of knowledge by planning a unique program of course offerings.

Middlesex Community College founded this organization and acts as its sponsor. All classes are held at the Meriden Public Library.

For more information, call: 860-343-5800, ext. 46398 and leave a message.

Middlesex Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or genetic information in its programs and activities. In addition, the College does not discriminate in employment on the additional basis of veteran status or criminal record.
The following people have been designated to handle inquiries or complaints regarding non-discrimination policies and practices: Primary Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Adrienne Maslin; Dean of Students/Title IX and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457; amaslin@mxcc.edu.

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Back in the 1950s, some women didn’t attend college right after high school, and while MxCC alumna Sally Smith liked to learn, she began college much later in life.
Originally from East Hampton, Sally grew up in Meriden and graduated from Meriden High School in 1958. Her father initially discouraged her from going to college or joining the Navy like her brothers. Instead, she started her own family. But years later, Sally was divorced and, because her children were still small, she had to sell her house and go on state aid.
In order to get off Medicaid, Sally became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) through the Vinal Tech program in Middletown in 1973.
While working as an LPN in a nursing home, Sally met a patient in her eighties who was a talented painter and always wanted to exhibit in her own art show. Sally simply went ahead and arranged an art exhibit and reception for her in Cheshire, where the patient even sold two paintings. “She was beside herself with joy!” recalled Sally.
By the 1980s, Sally’s kids were grown and she explored the idea of attending college. She first attended Southern Connecticut State University, but that campus experience was not for her. Instead she decided to audit an algebra class at Middlesex Community College. She then enrolled in more classes and worked with a tutor to improve her grades. For a while, she lived near the former MxCC Meriden Center and also took classes there. She even reconnected with old acquaintance in one of her classes, Betty Berger. They knew each other previously when their kids were in dance class together.
After attending MxCC part-time into the 1990s, Sally earned her associate degree in human services. “I had a very good experience at Middlesex. I enjoyed being there, and the teachers were great,” she reiterated.
While still working as a nurse, Sally met an elderly male patient of Irish descent, who said he never had been to Ireland. She talked with his daughter to see if this was even physically possible for him to travel. She agreed, so Sally again proceeded to see how to arrange this for him. She spoke with other senior wish agencies that told Sally she would have to do all the work. If that was the case, why not start her own foundation with the mission of fulfilling the dreams of senior adults?
In 2007, Sally and her friend Betty launched a nonprofit organization called Seniors Have Dreams, Too. The group’s purpose is “to make a difference in the lives of the elderly and create opportunities for seniors with limited resources to experience a lifelong dream.” The nationwide program is offered to seniors 65 years of age or older, living below the poverty level, and physically and mentally able to experience a wish. Receiving no grant money, the group operates on individual donations and holds an annual arts and crafts fundraiser.
Recently, the organization granted several wishes—a 78-year-old woman with cancer living in Las Vegas went to a concert for the first time; a Connecticut woman’s dream was to visit the casino again with her friends; a woman in her eighties received piano lessons and recorded a CD; a former airline hostess rode in a helicopter—all made possible through the work of Sally’s organization.
“No matter how old you are, you should always have something to look forward to. None of your memories should be old,” she said, who now lives in Wallingford.
Sally still takes her nursing job very seriously. “ I love my job working in nursing homes. This is where I belong. I love working with the elderly and kids with disabilities. I’m getting things for nothing, and so I have to give back,” said Sally emphatically.
What is Sally’s dream? “To complete a bachelor’s degree before turning 90 years old,” she said. “But now my job is to make people smile.”
To donate, sponsor or apply for a dream, or attend the December 1 crafts fair, visit www.seniorshavedreams.org.
October 2018

MxCC will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23, in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. All offices will reopen on Monday, November 26.